Media contact(s):
Tyler Sinclair: (440) 669-8427; tsinclair01@cuyahogacounty.us 

Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management helps residents be ready and resilient

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish has recognized September as National Preparedness Month.

National Preparedness Month is an annual observance and opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.

“Emergencies can happen at any time. We see it every day around the country,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “I’m encouraging all our residents to prepare for events that could have a serious impact on their friends and families, their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. Preparedness is the key to successfully responding to, and recovering from, disasters.”

The theme this year is: A Lasting Legacy. The message of the campaign is that the life you’ve built is worth protecting. You’re encouraged to prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for yourself and your family.

“National Preparedness Month gives us an opportunity to ask each citizen to reflect on their personal preparedness,” said Cuyahoga County’s Emergency Management Agency Director, Mark Christie. “Taking simple steps like making a plan and building a kit will help ensure that everyone leaves a lasting legacy by being prepared for emergencies.”

One of the best ways to prepare is to consider the types of emergencies that could occur and create a plan to keep your loved ones out of harm’s way. Keep these questions in mind:

• How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is your household’s shelter plan?
• What is your evacuation route?
• What is your family/household communication plan?
• Do you need to update/modify/create your emergency kit?

An emergency supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need, in the event of an emergency. Your disaster kits should have enough food, water, and other essential items to sustain everyone in your home (including pets) for at least three days.

It is important to know how to turn off utilities, like water and gas. Be aware of multiple ways out of your home, and practice evacuation plans.

There are many potential man-made and natural hazards that OEM can help keep residents prepared for. Verify your insurance policies and coverage. Consider saving money in a safe place that could be used in any crisis. Have small bills on hand as ATMs and credit cards may not work after a disaster.

The OEM website contains an emergency preparedness guide.

For more preparedness tips, follow the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter (@CuyahogaOEM).

Register for ReadyNotify, the emergency notification system used by Cuyahoga County to issue alerts to the public.